ding wa

lead. She had walked down the aisle in a delicate white gown, her hands trembling as though the fabric itself could ancho

r every step, analysing, judging, calculating. There had been no warmth, no softness, no hint of the man she once

ile that felt more like a mask than an expression. The applause rang

ispered cold commands to the staff, ensuring Evelyn's every movement was scrutinized. Every toast was an

vernous ballroom echoing with silence. Evelyn exhaled a breath she

was

frame casting a shadow over her as they moved toward the private wing of the man

turing to the door. His voice was flat, al

ked. "I um

sharp look. "You don't

ck her humble upbringing. She set down her small clutch and sank onto the

the door ma

He didn't close the door behind him, letting the sound of the hallway ech

twisted. "I signe

'The wife shall comply with the husband's directives in all public appearances.' That includes tonight's dinner. Clause ninetee

uth to protest, b

tly as if to remind her there wa

ce was small.

word. The door clicked behind him,

but not

e betrayal he believed she had committed, the way he had walked away and left her shattered it all c

e couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't think clearly. Ever

knock c

, she did

lass of water. His expression was

was electric, sending an unwelcome shiver through her body. She pulled

" he said, more stat

ching for words that would

Good. You shouldn't. That's Clause twenty-seven

blinked

ut her off. "Go to sleep. Tom

" Her hear

d." He stepped toward the door, paused, and added,

bly mean? She had already signed the

gh the curtains, painting the walls in streaks of gold and blue. She tried to convince herself she c

wn, she kne

ge was not

about

wood would wiel

ed on the nightstand. A message

y you. Be careful.